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15 Sep 2010
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Super Moderator
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,934
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As a recognized non-blowhard, I feel qualified to comment as follows:
I've put a hundred thousand odd miles on (mostly) two bikes during the past three years. Most of this was in countries unfamiliar to me (Africa, South and Central America, Europe/Eastern Europe, a bit of Asia Minor). All along people have been complaining about the crazy drivers and warning me that I'm sure to get squashed, bent, mutilated or at minimum badly broken on my motorbike. All along I've been wondering when the crazy driving is going to start up.....and here I am back home again, still wondering where all those crazies are at.
I think this is because I'd spent a lot of time in the Developing World before ever learning to ride a bike. No matter where I go, I've seen and done worse, and no matter how ridiculous the antics of the other people on the road, it's never as bad as Delhi. Or Rome. Or Marrakesh. Or, in some cases, New York, London, L.A. or Lima. Before I ever clambered onto my first bike, a KLR, I had accumulated reflexes sufficient to keep me on course wherever I've been (so far).
OP, you're describing yourself the same way. For the most part, it's not actually about controlling the bike; it's about fitting into traffic patterns without endangering yourself. You don't need off-road training to ride around much of Africa: you need to learn how to ride in insane, crowded, chaotic traffic without getting crushed. From the sound of it, you're probably almost there already. Just practice riding for another 6 months or a year, and try to do this on whatever sort of bike you'll be taking with you.
Of course, lots of people do get somewhat mutilated when they get overconfident or under-attentive on dirt, stone, gravel, mud or dust. I probably shouldn't minimize that piece. But my personal off-road skills are merely ok, not good, and I've survived all sorts of drastic places by taking it slow and not falling for the "you've gotta do at least 50 on corrugations to even out the pounding" fallacy, or the "this can't possibly be fun unless you're dragging a knee while carving the corners" myth.
Time to trade in that cruiser and start planning your trip. And whatever you do, don't take advice from anyone who lives in Colombia; they all drive insanely there.
Mark
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15 Sep 2010
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Fremantle, Western Australia
Posts: 124
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Hey thanks guys! Still trying to decipher the EXACT meaning of the term "blowhard" (that's not one I've heard before, but I get the gist!), but am encouraged by your comments that a good dose of common sense and healthy respect for the road goes a long way!
I think once I get my full licence in another month or so, that will be the trigger to get a more Africa-oriented bike and start preparing in earnest. Whatever happens, I can't wait to get out there and start exploring those African horizons on two wheels...
Jeanie
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
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Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
![Five books by Graham Field!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
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"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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